Caramel Apple Dump Cake – 4 Ingredients

You want a crowd pleaser that uses cake mix and is ready within 30 minutes? This is the recipe for you.

This is the kind of cake you whip up for a quick Fall Celebratory tea or a Christmas or Thanksgiving roundup with the kiddos. You just need 4 ingredients and not a lot of effort to bring it to final plating.

Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather starts to cool down, the leaves change color, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up with friends and family.

One of my favorite traditions is to have a potluck with my friends and their kids. Everyone brings a dish to share, and we spend the afternoon eating, laughing, and catching up.

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This year, I decided to bring a caramel apple dump cake. It’s a simple dessert that’s perfect for a crowd, and it’s always a hit with the kids. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all those apples that are in season.

I’m not sure exactly where I first got the recipe, but I’ve been making it for years. It’s one of those recipes that’s so easy to remember, that you don’t even need to write it down. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

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Why I Love This Quick Recipe

1- The Caramel Crunch is irresistible to adults and kids alike. It is that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that I savor in every bite.

2- The ease of using a cake mix with zero guilt and shame. I live for such recipes.

3- It is the perfect start to Fall with your friends, family, and loved ones.

Ingredients

Yellow Cake Mix:

This is the base of our dump cake. I prefer using a store-bought mix for convenience, but you can also make your own from scratch.

Butter: 

Unsalted butter is my go-to for baking. It adds richness and flavor to the cake. I like to use organic butter because it’s better for my health and the environment.

Brown Sugar: 

This adds a touch of sweetness and caramel flavor to the cake. I always choose organic brown sugar because it’s less processed and has a richer flavor.

Apples: 

I like to use Honeycrisp apples for this recipe. They’re sweet, juicy, and hold their shape well when baked. I remember my grandma always used to make apple pies with Honeycrisp apples, so it holds a special place in my heart.

Cinnamon: 

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Recipe Steps

Prep the Pan: I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always make sure to grease the pan well to prevent the cake from sticking.

Layer the Ingredients: Next, I pour the yellow cake mix into the prepared baking dish. Then, I dot the top with pats of butter and sprinkle it with brown sugar. Finally, I top the cake with sliced apples, arranging them in a decorative pattern. I love the way the apples look when they’re baked, all caramelized and bubbly.

Bake the Cake: I pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I always keep an eye on the cake to make sure it doesn’t overbake.

Let it Cool: Once the cake is baked, I let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake to set and makes it easier to cut. 

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cake is cool, I dust it with powdered sugar and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect fall dessert!

Serving Ideas

I love serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey cake pairs perfectly with the cold, creamy ice cream. You could also top it with whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier dessert. This cake is always a hit at parties and potlucks. I’ve never had leftovers!

Here are a few other ideas for serving this cake:

1.  With a side of coffee or tea: The warm, comforting flavors of the cake pair perfectly with a hot beverage.
2.  As a breakfast treat: Serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. 
3.  As a snack: Cut it into smaller pieces and enjoy it as a snack with a glass of milk. 

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Tip # 1: Cover It With Butter

To ensure the cake is perfectly moist, I make sure every bit of the cake mix is covered with melted butter. I slowly drizzle the butter over the mix, making sure it reaches every nook and cranny. If I miss a spot, I add a dollop of unmelted butter to fill the gap.

Tip # 2: Experiment With Flavors

I love experimenting with different flavors, so I’ve used everything from spice cake mix to butter pecan. The possibilities are endless! To add a little extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle the apples with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans. It’s a simple touch that elevates the cake to new heights.

Tip # 3: Choose A Delicious Topping

I usually top my dump cake with Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping, but you can use any topping you like.

Frequently Asked Questions